Seward, Elmer 1841-1922

SEWARD, YOUNG

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/14/2015 at 15:01:49

From: Akron Register-Tribune, November 23, 1922

ANOTHER PIONEER IS CALLED

In the death of Elmer Seward at his home in this city on Tuesday morning, November 21, 1922, at about 2:30 o'clock, this community lost one of its most highly esteemed pioneer citizens. Something like ten years ago Mr. Seward became afflicted with a cancerous growth on one cheek, just below the eye. He consulted various specialists and underwent several operations, but was unable to obtain permanent benefit and during the past three or four years the affliction progressed to an alarming extent on one side of his face, depriving him of the sight of one eye. Although his sufferings were intense at times, Mr. Seward was of the uncomplaining kind and bore up under his misfortune with rare fortitude and patience. For some time his general health had been declining, and about four weeks ago was taken with what proved to be his final illness. Despite the most tender and constant ministrations, he continued to fail until death came as a merciful relief from his sufferings.

Elmer Seward was born January 22, 1841, at North Hampton, Mass., and attained the ripe age of 81 years, 9 months and 30 days. As a small child he accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Seward, west to Dubuque, la., and after residing there for a time located at Spring Valley, Minn. It was in the year 1863 that Ira Seward and family joined the pioneer settlers in Union county, South Dakota (then Dakota Territory), on Brule creek, near what is now Richland, S. D. Having arrived at man's estate, Elmer Seward, after working a few years on the farm for his father, took a homestead of his own in that vicinity in the spring of 1863. On October 12, 1867, Mr. Seward was united in marriage with Miss Mary Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd Young, also pioneer settlers of that locality, the ceremony being performed by Justice Jos. Collins in his home at Richland. Mr. and Mrs. Seward continued to reside on their homestead, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life, including the hostile Indian raids, the fierce blizzards of the early-day winters, scarcity of foodstuffs and grasshopper visitations. Then came the brighter and more prosperous years and in 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Seward retired from active farm duties and came to Akron to reside, making this place their home for the past twenty-six years. On October 12, 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Seward celebrated their fiftieth, or golden, wedding anniversary here, being assisted in the pleasant event by about forty friends and neighbors, Rev. W. W. Tyrrell, of the M. E. church, reenacting the nuptial ceremony. The first sorrow of their wedded life came in the death of their first-born son, Frank, in 1871, but their home was blessed with another son and a daughter, Wm. H. Seward, who now lives on the old homestead farm near Richland, and Mrs. W. J. Hilliker, of Akron. To the children and their families and especially to the aged wife who has for over fifty years walked by his side through sunshine and shadow, there is extended the sincere sympathy of the community in their bereavement.

Coming from sturdy New England stock, Mr. Seward was the embodiment of the best in our manhood and citizenship, an honest, upright, industrious. God-fearing man, of whom it could truly be said, "None knew him but to love him, none named him but to praise." As husband, father, friend and neighbor, he was of the best that the terms imply.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Akron M. E. church and there was a large attendance of friends, who assembled as a last tribute of respect to a valued and worthy friend. The service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. G. J. Poppenheimer. Favorite hymns were sung by a quartet comprised of E. M.
Replogle, Miss Blanche Cunningham, Miss Clara Stoutenburg and O. B. Akers. The pallbearers were old-time friends—A. C. Jenkins, C. H. Maxson, C. G. Brady, A. U. Wilson, D. K. Bennett and H. A. Ervin. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

A niece, Mrs. Ida Wagner, and her son, Wm., of Beresford, were relatives present from a distance. Among the friends who came were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Marshall, of Hudson, S. D.; Mrs. Finnie, of Hawarden, and W. B. Card, of Elk Point. A great many neighbors and old-time friends from the Richland vicinity attended the services.